Funniest "Black Lady Sketch Show" Skits

Gone are the days when Saturday Night Live was the only show of its kind. On August 2, 2019, HBO debuted a unique sketch comedy program made and performed exclusively by Black women: A Black Lady Sketch Show. Creator Robin Thede and her talented cast have been rewarded for their genius with no less than 13 Emmy nominations.

The series has been praised for its talented and diverse cast, recurring characters, foreboding post-apocalyptic framing devices, and abundance of jokes. It highlights the comedic chops of Black women and provides an inspiring example of a program that places them in the forefront without making their skin color an issue.  In addition to being revolutionary, it also innovates traditional sketch comedy by taking it to odd and unexpected places. Don't expect conventional skits here; A Black Lady Sketch Show features fantasies with genies, otherworldly purgatories, and even episodes featuring amnesia. All in all, if you have an appetite for the strange and wacky, this show is for you.

When Thede's character arrived late for work every day due to her lengthy makeup routine, her colleagues proposed she forgo her daily beauty rituals or risk losing her job. This all-too-familiar scenario has been experienced by many women when one time without a full face of cosmetics leads to questions like, "Are you sick?" and "You look tired." Taking the concept to an exaggerated level, Thede's response to ditching makeup resulted in her near-deathly appearance, serving as a reminder that sometimes foregoing concealer is not worth the risk.

It is difficult to stay a bad b*tch all the time, but fortunately, the "Bad B*tch Support Group" is here to help. They discuss problems like looking prim and proper for their man and dressing in head-to-toe highlighter, lashes, and three-inch heels. Maya opened up about how sometimes she desires to just 'be ok' rather than fabulous. This comment shocked the other ladies, yet Angela Bassett reassured everyone that it was alright not to be perfect now and then, but still not be basic.

Suddenly, a twist started when sinister music began, and they noticed two representatives from a fast fashion retail company spying on them through a two-way mirror. It was a trial to test some drug that would make women feel that impossible beauty standards were achievable. After all, if Fashion Nova couldn't sell its clothes to bad b*tches, who else?

Chris and Lachel, coming fresh off their wedding in Season 1, reappear in Episode 5 on a mission to make their honeymoon. Yvonne Orji stars as a flight attendant asking for an affirmative answer from the couple seated in the exit row, following Chris' struggle to verbalize in the preceding sketch. But Chris and Lachel give her quite a runaround, replying with "bet" and "yerp" instead of a simple "yes." 

Lachel takes a different approach, attempting to barter for snacks and a blanket. Chris builds upon this by suggesting a pretzel blanket. The dilemma is solved when Broderick Hunter catches Lachel's eye, prompting them to switch seats. It's not a smooth start to newlywed life, yet they'll manage it on their trip.

In the Season 1 finale of A Black Lady Sketch Show, "Courtroom Kiki," a memorable skit made its mark. With guests Issa Rae and Yvette Nicole Brown, it became one of the most discussed aspects of the show. It featured a room of all African-American women, including Rae playing the defendant and Brown acting as judge. After two decades on the bench, Brown noted a sight she had never witnessed. Though the case resulted in favor of Rae, it was celebrated with jubilation by the whole court. A unified chant of "Black lady courtroom, clap clap!" was heard in joyous unison.

Reniece had an unenviable task - to remain obedient and dodge her mother's belt. With her brother failing, she was determined not to suffer a similar fate. She assiduously completed her mother's simple tasks, setting herself up for success. However, when her mom nodded off, Reniece ensured she would be the victor by indulging in her own show. Fortunately, disaster was averted upon her brother's entry, who left the door wide open. Yet, despite appearing guilty, Reniece, fortunately, escaped punishment. Thede, one of the announcers, saved her from harm.

Dennis and Brunson went to a local Black eatery, "Eat All-nite," to get some lunch on Saturday. However, this place had issues: limited biscuits, not enough staff, missing dishes, plus a pay-to-pee policy. Undaunted by the obstacles, they remained determined to show their support. Then the problems kept mounting: bring-your-own utensils, a $65 spending minimum, and someone trying to steal leftovers. Despite all that, their meals were delicious, and the waitress was friendly. Yet they kept returning to the restaurant's entrance no matter which way they tried to leave. The oxtails, however, were superb.

A Black Lady Sketch Show astounded viewers with the Emmy-winning "Save My Edges, I'm a Donor!" This hotly anticipated sketch featured the unique idea of a communal purge held to return unsatisfactory products. The 12-minute period allowed people to return anything with no restrictions or paperwork. Led by a large cast, the scene had boisterous enthusiasm and dynamic action.

Director Bridget Stokes expressed her admiration for this sketch in an interview with Essence: “I was particularly impressed with everyone’s performance. Everyone worked together in great unity to make sure that each stunt and move were executed perfectly.” The skit ended on a familiar note, allowing participants to use their refunds for more purchases.

Old friends reunited in Fiji, joyfully greeting one another before all being shocked by a stranger's unexpected arrival. Messica makes her presence known, chloroforming Brunson as she claims to be part of their group. Amazement follows as an identical set of women also step forward, prompting bewilderment. The original gang no longer doubts Messica won't tag along on their holiday.

At a memorial service for the beloved, the departed are remembered jubilantly with a twist. Black tradition calls it not a funeral but a "homegoing service" or "celebration of life." Dancers from the voguing scene in A Black Lady Sketch Show were cast alongside those from the ballroom. They celebrate the commonalities between Black and queer communities, uniting them all in laughter and joy. Moments like these remind us that inclusion is as essential to comedy as the jokes themselves.

At the family reunion, tensions ran high. Tyler James Williams and Kim Wayans appeared in this sketch to show the conflict between loving reunions and generational differences. When arguments began to bubble up, Williams resorted to playing Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” to lighten the mood. It worked; everyone was drawn into the beat and unable to keep from dancing. Even as Williams and Dennis argued, the music paused hostilities.